The pursuit of the World Series is well underway with some incredible matchups for baseball fans to enjoy. Unfortunately for Chicago Cubs fans, it's another postseason that lacks excitement with the North Siders already in offseason mode.
MLB's hot stove is in its "preheating" phase with early rumors and predictions circulating, and the Cubs have already been attached to an intriguing name available this winter.
Per Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report, the Cubs are the projected landing spot for veteran Japanese starter Tomoyuki Sugano. The 34-year-old righty has spent 12 seasons in NPB, posting a career 2.43 ERA. In 2024, Sugano pitched 156.2 innings, logging a 1.67 ERA and a 15-3 record. Factor in 111 strikeouts against just 16 walks, and Sugano touts an impressive body of work.
As noted by Miller, Sugano will venture to the United States following impressive rookie campaigns from fellow Japanese star pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga. Further along in his baseball career, Sugano is the perfect candidate for a two- or three-year deal. If Sugano comes at $15 million per season, it certainly seems like something in the Cubs' price range.
Starting pitching is an area of need for the Cubs this offseason. Kyle Hendricks will likely be wearing different colors next season, and young arms Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks, Cade Horton, and Hayden Wesneski are all injured-related question marks. Adding an established starter is 100% necessary. However, assuming the Cubs aren't going to pursue a big name like Blake Snell or Corbin Burnes feels like an underestimation of Jed Hoyer's desperation for a winning team.
As reported back in August by Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Corbin Burnes is expected to be the team's top target in free agency. The righty's connection to manager Craig Counsell from their time in Milwaukee certainly heightens the case for the Cubs' pursuit, and the team desperately needs big arms to become a true contender. Although Sugano will likely generate a bit of a bidding war, failing to least attempt to land Burnes before turning to Sugano would be a huge loss for the Cubs.
Don't get the facts twisted, Sugano would be a welcome addition to Chicago's rotation if the top pitching options either return to their current clubs or venture elsewhere. Furthermore, the storyline involving Sugano, Shota Imanaga, and Seiya Suzuki would make the Cubs one of two Japanese MLB darlings. Given the impact Imanaga had on the Cubs in 2024, Sugano would generate some excitement in the fan base.
But in the big picture, if the pursuit of Sugano comes without an honest try at a high-profile pitching option, then Hoyer will be doing the Cubs a disservice.
